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Email: marvindiscovers@gmail.com
Bio: I am a children's picture book author, mother of two successful men and grandmother of a beautiful little girl. I believe in the strength of the family unit and family values. MarvinDiscovers offers quality family activities (Marvin Approved Discoveries) where families will build a strong bond and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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- Introducing your child to reading can start at an early age. When your child is too young to read you can purchase books with large tangible pictures that they can touch.
- Add drama and enthusiasm to capture your child’s attention.
- To make your reading time special, snuggle together at a set time and special place, each day and read.
- When you want to read your favorite book, encourage your child to sit beside you and they can read their own book.
- It is important to involve your child in each story. Pick short adventure story picture books and then after you read a page or two, ask questions about the pictures. Ask your child what they think will happen next.
- To encourage imagination, ask your child questions about the story you are reading together.
- Create a connection when you introduce your child to the same books you loved as a child.
- Create outrageous sound effects for the different sounds in a story.
- Create a distinctive voice for each character in the story.
- Get your child to help you make the sounds as the story moves forward.
- Make it theatrical: act out a short adventure story. Give each child a character to play.
- Make finger puppets or Popsicle stick puppets with your child for their favorite story.
- When new words appear in a story you are reading, discuss what it means and then support using the word throughout the day.
- Use magnetic letters on the fridge door to encourage spelling and word recognition.
- Go to the library, bookstore or used bookstore with your child and get the books that interest them.
- Check out CD’s and DVD’s that are available, that are interactive for children to learn the alphabet and increase their vocabulary.
- Explore the world of online apps.
- Create a reading chart.
- While in the car or playing at home, play music for your children to sing along with. Learning new songs increases your child’s vocabulary.
- Your goal is to make reading one of your child’s favorite activities. Studies show that children who are good readers are 3 times more likely to succeed than children who do not enjoy reading.
How Do You Ease Your Kindergarten Child into the Routine of School?
September 29th, 2011
For lots of kids, back to school is part of the norm. But for little Johnny, this is his first day at Kindergarten. You have taken him shopping for new cloths, backpack, lunch box and some school supplies. He seems excited to have all the “new cool stuff”, yet he hesitates when you ask him if he is excited about going to school.
What can you do to ease little Johnny’s anxiety?
Here are 10 tips on how you can help Little Johnny;
Tip Number 1: Check your own stress level: this can be an emotional day for many a Mom and Dad. It is very important to ease your own stress; kids will pick up on your anxiety.
Tip Number 2: If at all possible, take the day off from work: kids grow up fast and being part of this milestone is important for you and little Johnny. Johnny will be more comfortable with his new adventure to have you a part of it.
Tip Number 3: Read books about starting school: there are lots of books out there about starting school. Plan to read a book together, in your special reading spot. This will be comforting for little Johnny and he can gain a better understanding of what school will be like.
Tip Number 4: Respond with patience and understanding: little Johnny may cry and ask to go home with you. Remember, he is totally outside his comfort zone and needs reassurance that he will have fun.
Tip Number 5: Pick the magic time to leave: finding the perfect time to leave isn’t easy. Reassure Johnny that you are coming back and that he will have tons of fun while you are away. Make a quick good-bye; lingering will only make the next morning even harder for both Johnny and you.
Tip Number 6: Keep it simple: Yes, this is a major milestone but making “too big” a deal out of this adventure may cause more stress on little Johnny than you intend.
Tip Number 7: Be active in your child’s school life: arrange for both of you to meet the teacher or tour the school before that first day. Tape a family picture to the inside of Johnny’s lunchbox lid. Have a copy of the class schedule so you will feel connected to your child’s school life. Volunteer to be a teachers aid for a day once or twice a month.
Tip Number 8: Stay in touch with Johnny’s teacher: meet with Johnny’s teacher frequently. Offer your email address and phone number, so that she can communicate with you easily if any problems arise.
Tip Number 9: Understand what Johnny is afraid of: if he seems overly afraid, talk with little Johnny. Talk with his teacher too. Teachers are a great resource on what kinds of problems children have and together, you can alleviate any of Johnny’s fears.
Tip Number 10: Send “Mr. Snuggles” along: of course you need to check with Johnny’s teacher first, then send along a favorite stuffy or blanket. Just having a little comfort from home will help to ease his anxiety and he will not feel so alone.
The first day of kindergarten will be fantastic! Remember, it takes time to adjust to new surroundings, new routine and even new friends. Give little Johnny some time, be active in his new adventure and before too long; he will be asking to go to school, even on Saturdays!
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5 Easy Steps to Calming the Morning Chaos!
September 20th, 2011
When school starts back after the summer, the morning routine can be very demanding and stressful for the whole family. Most households are chaotic from the moment they wake the kids to the moment they drop them off at daycare or wave good-bye to them on the bus.
Do you often think, “OMG, get me out of here!”?
If your house is anything like mine used to be, mornings were one of the most stressful times of the day. There was bickering, fighting, and sometimes even crying. Can you relate?
How would you like to have a peaceful morning where everyone moves through the routine with grace and ease? That’s how the mornings in our household are now, for the most part, calm.
We created a routine that works for our family. Of course we are human and not always does our morning routine work and chaos takes over. The next morning, we get back into the routine.
Here is our time tested morning routine. This routine was created, tested, recreated, adjusted and continues to adjust as our family needs have changed.
Remember, to stick to the routine and stand by the routine even in the face of difficulties. If you waiver, your children will not trust that you will follow through with consequences and they will not benefit from the experience a schedule will bring.
First, create a ‘Family Schedule’: Go online and download a calendar or purchase a desktop calendar from your local office supply store. Mark all the after school and work activities for each family member on the calendar. Be sure to schedule time for homework and don’t forget to mark down dentist or doctor appointments.
Second, be vigilant and refer to this schedule everyday: Check this schedule each evening and plan for the next day. Figure out then which adult will take the kids to their after school activity or appointment.
Third, get, as much done the night before as you can. Gather and prepare all the kids “stuff” and place it by the door. Each child can help you make their lunch or they can make it on their own if they are old enough. If you have pets, like Marvin, you may want to put the lunches up high so no one can steal it in the night! LOL
Fourth, create a master list of all regular items the kids will need for their day ahead: Include items like, homework, gym cloths, runners, mitts, or hats etc. List anything the kids may need for after school activities, too. Post this on the fridge and take a few minutes every morning to review the items with your kids.
Fifth, create the morning “To Do” list: These are the things that need to be done like, shower or wash hair, brush teeth, tidy bedroom or pack lunch into backpack, etc. Post the “To Do” list in the bedroom or bathroom, or anywhere that will help the kids to know what to do next. This will help stop you sounding like a broken record.
All these time saving ideas will make for an easy morning routine. It may all look like a lot of work in the beginning, trust me, once you do it, you will be amazed at the time you can save. With a little patience, you and your family will be working together and enjoying your mornings. Good luck!
Leave a comment. Let us know how your routine works and give us some ideas. We love to hear from you!
Contact us at www.marvindiscovers.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/MarvinDiscovers
Back to School-How do You Get Your Kids Ready?
September 6th, 2011
It’s that time of the year, again. The first day of school is just around the corner! Where did the summer go? Do you have the list of back to school supplies bought? Are your kids groaning on the outside? Just realize they are most likely excited (and a little bit nervous) on the inside with the thought of going back. Now you need to get everyone back into the school year routine. How do you accomplish that? Where do you start? Here are some ideas that have worked well for our family for you to test out. After you read this let us know how they work for you and you can add your ideas as well.
A couple of weeks before school starts, or as soon as possible, get the whole family together and create a plan. Create a list of the family’s daily and weekly activities. List things like homework, after school sports and lessons. Now, create a calendar from your list. Make sure the kids are involved with the scheduling, the more input the kids have in their schedule, the more interest they will have to see it successful. Balance the schedule out so so you include time for family fun as well as homework and sports etc. Once the schedule is set, be vigilant for a few weeks to set routine and work out the bugs. Ask each child to pick one or two extra curricular activities to enjoy outside of school. Schedule these activities in to the calendar, keeping homework a priority. REMEMBER…any “must see” TV shows can now be recorded and watched later in the evening, week or weekend. (What did we do before TiVo?)
Do You Read with Your Kids-How to Encourage the Love of Reading in Your Child?
August 23rd, 2011
Are you looking for ways to share the passion you have for reading with your children this summer? There are many benefits to reading with your child such as opening the door to discovery, adventure and creativity. Reading together with your child also forms strong bonds that will last a lifetime.
There is a multitude of ways to share your love of reading with your child. The most important way is to read with your child. It creates a strong bond between you and your child and it creates the love of reading.
What ways do you encourage reading with your family? Send us your comments or ideas! MarvinDiscovers
10 Facts about Marvin of MarvinDiscovers
July 21st, 2011
Hi my name is Kathryn, let me introduce you to MarvinDiscovers.
MarvinDiscovers is about family and family values. The importance of sharing and spending time together creating strong family bonds and memories. I have created children’s short adventure stories for families to share and be inspired to discover the world through their children’s eyes. I hope you enjoy these, Ten Facts About MarvinDiscovers.
Marvin was discovered in a little pet store in Fort Nelson, British Columbia. His seven brothers and sisters surrounded him. Marvin and his siblings were rescued, cleaned up and ready for love. As my husband, son and I stood looking at the puppies, Marvin sat quietly, wagging his tail and fell into our hearts.
Marvin was born on June 5, 2006. He will be celebrating his fifth birthday this year. Marvin loves to celebrate with his family and friends. His favorite cake is lemon with sweet lemon icing.
Marvin’s big brother, Hibou is a chocolate lab. They enjoy playing together and going to the farm to visit with their cousins. They spend the day exploring and discovering all the wonders of the farm.
Marvin will shake a paw, rollover, speak (bark), sit and lay down. He especially likes to perform these tricks for treats however, if given the choice; I think he would rather have just the treat.
Marvin brushes his teeth by chewing on special doggy bones that are made to help dogs clean their teeth. His favorite bone is even shaped like a toothbrush!
Going to the doctor is a little scary for Marvin. The smell of the doctor’s office can be frightening, especially for a dog. He likes the attention the doctor gives him and Marvin knows the doctor has tasty treats for being a good dog during the visit!
Marvin inspired MarvinDiscovers; he speaks to my inner child. He also reminds me of how important it is for children and their parents to discover the world together. Taking “quality” time together as a family is very important. It creates lasting memories and forms a strong bond between parent and child.
Marvin’s adventures have created twelve discoveries waiting to be written. That being said, more discoveries come my way everyday. The next two discoveries are with the illustrator now. We are excited that this summer Marvin’s next adventure in discovery will be available for you! Go to, www.marvindiscovers.com to be the first to know when Marvin’s adventures become available or to sign up for Marvin Approved Discoveries Activity Sheet. Where you will receive quality family crafts to share with your children and create lasting memories.
6 Tips for a great Family Vacation
July 12th, 2011
With summer holiday’s in full swing and your family vacation approaching, your thoughts may wonder to warm sunny days, sitting on the beach watching your kids build a sand castle. Oh what a perfect picture!
Reality check! How do you create a relaxing, exciting and enjoyable family vacation?
1. Let go of your expectations. Kids will be kids and the sequence of events will be what they will be. It’s how you react that will make the difference.
2. Prepare your kids for the trip. Talk about what the experience will be like. Show pictures of your destination, even look it up on Google Earth.
3. Once at destination, have some “down” time. The sightseeing and new surroundings can be very overwhelming for little ones. Some “normal” time by the pool or at a playground will help the kid’s relax and recharge, not to mention you, too.
4. Budget for souvenirs and the “must-haves” for the kids. Spread the budget out. Have a per day allotment so the kids can buy something each day of the vacation.
5. Before you leave, take the kids out on an adventure and buy luggage together. Get a small, yet cool, carry on case for the kids to pack books, crayons and paper or video games. Entertainment for the kids while waiting for your next flight or train or on a long road trip is very important.
6. When traveling by plane, remember to book your seats together and take advantage of the pre-boarding call for families. Everyone will feel more relaxed when the family is settled before the rush of other passengers.
Family vacations are a great way to help your kids discover their world. They create wonderful memories that you can share and relive with your children for years to come. A little preparation and planning will help create a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
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